Water-soluble, powdered cannabinoid and/or terpene extract

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the preparation of a water soluble, powdered pharmaceutically active cannabinoid and/or terpene extract from plant materials or of synthetic origin. The extract is first treated with a solvent to solubilize the cannabinoids, then combined with an emulsifier. The solubilized mixture is then dried to evaporate the solvent, leaving the water-soluble cannabinoid extract powder. The resulting powder remaining stable at room temperature for at least one year and can be compounded into various pharmaceutical powdered formulations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/576,162, filed Sep. 19, 2019, entitled“WATER SOLUBLE, POWDERED CANNABINOID AND/OR TERPENE EXTRACT,” whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/733,294, filed Sep. 19, 2018, entitled “WATER SOLUBLE, POWDEREDCANNABINOID AND/OR TERPENE EXTRACT, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the preparation of a water soluble, powderedcannabinoid and/or terpene extract (THC, THC/CBD, CBD and terpene) frompharmaceutically active components from plant materials andsynthetically derived, a powder where the bulk density can easily bechanged based on the final dosage form desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cannabinoids are diverse chemical compounds acting on cannabinoidreceptors CB1 and CB2. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes forthousands of years. Its active compounds produce pharmacological effectsthroughout the body, especially in the central nervous system and theimmune system. There presently exists the need to provide moreeffective, bioavailable and safer cannabis dosage forms for variousmedical uses, including treatment of pain, nausea, spasticity inmultiple sclerosis, side effects of chemotherapy, and various othermedical conditions.

The disadvantages of currently available oral formulations of cannabisinclude slow and insufficient absorption and delayed onset of action andlow systemic availability, largely due to the highly lipophilic natureof cannabinoids. Formulation of cannabinoids as aerosols, sprays, eyedrops, etc. requires aqueous solutions of these highly lipophilic activecompounds. Current attempts at solubilizing cannabinoids have includedthe use of various types of sugar molecules such as cyclodextrins (CDs).CDs, however, are very expensive and difficult to work with. For theseand other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a unique, water soluble, powdered cannabinoidand/or terpene extract (THC, THC/CBD, CBD and terpene) and a method ofmanufacturing and using the same. The invention allows extractedcannabinoid oil to be used in formulations containing dry powders suchas tablets, capsules, dry powder inhalers, edibles, beverages andpowdered mixes. The powder's bulk density can easily be modified basedon the final dosage form in development and to match formulationgranulation. Potency of the powder is modifiable as well.

The method includes first combining a cannabinoid extract with a solventor solvent mixture that is capable of solubilizing the cannabinoid. Oncedissolved, the mixture is combined with one or more water solubleemulsifying sugar substrates which absorb the oil from the extract andmake the extract components water soluble. The solubilized mixture isthen dried to evaporate the solvent, leaving the water-solublecannabinoid extract powder. The resulting powder remaining stable atroom temperature for at least one year and can be compounded intovarious pharmaceutical powdered formulations.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from andare encompassed by the following detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a unique method of solubilizingcannabinoid extract/distillate for use in formulating pharmaceuticalcompositions containing dry powders, including tablets, capsules, drypowder inhalers, edibles, beverages and powdered mixes. The inventor hassurprisingly discovered that extracts from cannabinoids can beeffectively and inexpensively solubilized using a solvent and acombination of emulsifiers. The resulting composition is a water-solublepowder that may in turn be used in pharmaceuticals.

The cannabis extracts of the invention are any that can be derived orextracted from cannabis plants, hemp or synthetically derived. Cannabisplants produce a unique family of terpeno-phenolic compounds calledcannabinoids, which produce the “high” one experiences from consumingmarijuana. There are 483 identifiable chemical constituents known toexist in the cannabis plant, and at least 185 different cannabinoidshave been isolated from the plant. The two cannabinoids usually producedin greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and/or(−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only THC is psychoactive.Thus, as used here, the term “cannabis” is intended to include not onlycannabis, but hemp, synthetic cannabinoids, and terpenes.

Cannabis plants are categorized by their chemical phenotype or“chemotype,” based on the overall amount of THC produced, and on theratio of THC to CBD. Although overall cannabinoid production isinfluenced by environmental factors, the THC/CBD ratio is geneticallydetermined and remains fixed throughout the life of a plant. Non-drugplants produce relatively low levels of THC and high levels of CBD,while drug plants produce high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.Besides CBD and THC, other cannabinoids include, but are not limited to,cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG) cannabinidiol (CBND),cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV),cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin(CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), and all acidic forms,precursors, and derivatives thereof. Cannabinoids are derived from theirrespective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH) by decarboxylation (catalyzed byheat, light, or alkaline conditions). As a general rule, the carboxylicacid form of the cannabinoid have the function of a biosyntheticprecursor.

As noted, the present invention relates to the solubilization of use ofany cannabis plant extract in any form. In addition to cannabinoids,cannabis plants produce terpenes, a diverse group of organichydrocarbons that are the building blocks of the cannabinoids. Over 100different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and everystrain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. The terpenesact synergistically with the cannabinoids to provide a therapeuticeffect. The terpenes in the extract include, but are not limited to,myrcene, alpha-bisabolol, caryophyllene, limonene, eucalyptol,nerolidol, terpineol, camphene, valencene, geraniol, humulene,delta-3-carene, borneol, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, and linalool. Invarious aspects the invention provides cannabis extracts with predefinedratios of cannabinoids. Standard conditions for cannabinoid assays, andmethods of calculating cannabinoid content (as %) are well known in theart.

The cannabinoid extract starting materials are typically mixtures of atleast 90% total cannabinoids which include terpenes and/or flavonoids.Preferably the extracts contain a mixture of at least four cannabinoidsuch as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), cannabidiolic acid (CBDa),cannabinolic acid (CBNa) cannabichromenic acid (CBCa),tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD) andcannabichromene (CBC). The terpene and/or flavonoids in the extractinclude, but are not limited to, myrcene, alpha-bisabolol,caryophyllene, limonene, eucalyptol, nerolidol, terpineol, camphene,valencene, geraniol, humulene, delta-3-carene, borneol, alpha-pinene andbeta-pinene, and linalool.

Therefore, in a further aspect the invention provides a method of makinga water soluble powdered extract composition comprising, as an activeagent, a substance which is an extract from at least one cannabis plantvariety.

Separate extracts may be prepared from single cannabis plant varietieshaving differing cannabinoid content (e.g. high THC and high CBD plants)and then mixed or blended together prior to formulation to produce thefinal pharmaceutical composition. This approach is preferred if, forexample, it is desired to achieve a defined ratio by weight ofindividual cannabinoids in the final formulation. Alternatively, plantmaterial from one or more cannabis plant varieties of definedcannabinoid content may be mixed together prior to extraction of asingle botanical drug substance having the desired cannabinoid content,which may then be formulated into a final pharmaceutical composition.

A preferred formulation includes a cannabinoid mixture where THC isgreater than or equal to 90%; a CBD is less than 1%; CBN is less than3%; and CBC is less than 1%. In some aspects the formulation furtherincludes d-limonene, linalool, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), alpha-pinene,terpineol-4-ol, p-cymene, borneol, delta-3-carene, beta-sitosterol,cannflavin A, apigenin, and quercetin.

Another preferred formulation includes a cannabinoid mixture where theTHC is less than or equal to 30%; CBD is greater than or equal to 60%;CBN is less than 1%; and CBC is less than 1%. In some aspects theformulation further includes d-limonene, linalool, 1,8-cineole(eucalyptol), alpha-pinene, terpineol-4-ol, p-cymene, borneol,delta-3-carene, beta-sitosterol, cannflavin A, apigenin, and quercetin.

In yet another preferred embodiment the formulation includes acannabinoid mixture where the THC is greater than or equal to 45%; CBDis greater than or equal to 45%; CBN is less than 1%; and CBC is lessthan 1%. In some aspects the formulation further includes beta-myrcene,beta-caryophyllene, pulegone, alpha-terpineol, beta-sitosterol,cannflavin A, apigenin, and quercetin.

In accordance with the methods of the invention, the constituents of thepowdered extract may all be combined at once, or combined in stages. Thefollowing materials may be used to manufacture the powdered extract ofthe claimed invention:

-   -   from about 0.1-85% by weight cannabinoid extract, terpene        extract, or combinations thereof, with about 10-50% by weight        being preferred, and about 20-30% by weight being most        preferred;    -   from about 0.1-75% by weight solvent, with about 20-60% by        weight being preferred, and about 20-40% by weight being most        preferred;    -   from about 0.1-80% by weight carbohydrate substrate, with about        20-60% by weight being preferred, and about 30-50% by weight        being most preferred.

In one embodiment of the invention, cannabinoid extract is firstcombined with an emulsifier(s) and a pharmaceutically acceptable solventto form a dissolved extract. The solvent is one that is capable ofdissolving the extract but one that does not dissolve the substrateemulsifier used in the second step. The solvent also needs to be onethat can be evaporated or otherwise incorporated into from thecomposition to form the resulting powder. Suitable class 1-3 solventsfor this purpose include, but are not limited to, n-hexane, ethylacetate, diethyl ether, 2-propanol, acetone, ethanol, ethanol/water,butane, propane, benzyl alcohol, 1,3-butylene glycol, citric acid estersof mono- and di-glycerols, glycerin, glyceryl triacetate, glyceryltributyrate, isopropyl alcohol, monoglyceride citrate, propylene glycol,triethyl citrate, diethylene glycol and propylene glycol mono- andde-esters. In one embodiment of the invention, the solvent is 95%ethanol.

The solvent is combined with the extract in an amount sufficient todissolve the components of the extract. In one embodiment, the solventis combined with equal parts extract. The solvent/extract mixture ispreferably heated to a range of about 50-85° C. with about 50-60° C.being preferred and about 55° C. being most preferred. The mixture mayoptionally be stirred/agitated to more thoroughly combine theingredients.

The dissolved extract is next combined with an emulsifier and/oremulsifying system to form a water-soluble powder. The cannabinoidsabsorb onto and are coated by the substrate emulsifier. Thus, theemulsifier is used to absorb the oil and make the extract water soluble.

The emulsifier is preferably a sugar or carbohydrate substrate that mayinclude, but is not limited to, starch, maltodextrins, glucose syrup,crystalline glucose (dextrose, sucrose, fructose), poloxamers including188 and 407, caramel, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, isomalt,beta/hydroxylpropyl cyclodextrins, lecithin, soy-derived glycerolphosphatides, acacia, gum arabic, xanthan gum, carrageenan, polyglycols,poloxamers, hydroxystearate polyoxyl 15 (Kolliphor HS15), locust beangum, tapioca, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP),and combinations of the same. In one embodiment, the emulsifying systemincludes an oil soluble emulsifier combined with a water solubleemulsifier. In another embodiment, the emulsifying system is acombination of maltodextrin and gum arabic (acacia). In one embodiment,the emulsifying system includes STPP in a concentration of about 0.1-5%by weight.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dissolved and/or emulsifiedextract may also include one or more other components or methods toimprove the solubility and/or dissolution rate of the extract. Forexample, the cannabis and/or other active ingredients of the inventionmay be complexed with cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins are moleculardonut-shaped structures consisting of several glucose molecules.Depending on the denotation (alpha-, beta-, or gamma cyclodextrins), 6to 8 glucopyranose units are cyclically joined to make a “truncatedcone”. The interior diameter of the structure measures between 0.6 nm to0.8 nm. Due to the orientation of the carbons of the sugars, thepolarity of the cavity is comparable to the polarity of ethanol, whichprovides a local favorable environment for lipophilic drugs. However,solubility enhancement with cyclodextrins is restricted by their cavitysize: the alpha form does not provide sufficient space for many drugmolecules, and the larger gamma form is comparably expensive. Thecomplexation of a drug with cyclodextrin furthermore leads to anenhanced dissolution rate.

Mesoporous silica refers to any number of a variety of materialssynthesized to produce a SiO₂ mesoporous structure. Mesoporous silicacan be ordered or non-ordered. It has been widely reported thatmesoporous silica can act as a solubility enhancer by adsorbing andstabilizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the amorphousform within the porous network.

There are various methods of loading crystalline API onto mesoporoussilica, which can be grouped into three broad categories: solvent-based,mechanical activation, and vapor-mediated. API is dissolved in organicsolvent (thus removing any crystal lattice) and added to mesoporoussilica. Adsorption of API onto the silica is then initiated throughmechanical agitation or sonication of the slurry. Finally, solvent isremoved, which can be achieved using a number of methods includingvacuum drying, spray drying, lyophilization or rotary evaporation. Thecannabis or other active ingredients of the invention may be loaded ontothe silica through conventional methods well known to persons skilled inthe art.

Mesoporous silica has particular advantages in pre-clinical developmentdue to the low capital investment requirements and relatively accessibleloading method. The loading of mesoporous silica can be achieved usingsimple laboratory equipment and scaled to commercial batches usingregular manufacturing equipment.

Mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) are characterized by very largesurface areas, uniform pore size, significant biocompatibility and easysurface functionalization. Generally, MSMs are prepared by hydrolysisand condensation of silica precursors such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)around the micelle templates (generated by supramolecularself-assemblies of surfactant molecules) followed by template removal bycalcination or solvent extraction. There are two common mechanisms,i.e., cooperative self-assembly of micelle and silica source andliquid-crystal templating to describe the synthesis of MSMs. MSMs can beprepared with different sizes from nanoscale to microscale range, withlarge surface area (from 700 to 1000 m²/g) and pore volume (from 0.6 to1 cm²/g). Also, depending on the reaction condition, diversemorphologies (e.g., spherical, rod, ellipsoid, and platelet) can also bemade each suitable for a specific biological application. While typicalpore diameters of MSMs are ˜2-5 nm, it is also possible to synthesizepore diameter up to 30 nm, thereby allowing accommodating not only smallmolecules but also larger chemicals such as proteins within themesopores. Furthermore, owing to surface silanol groups, the surfaceproperties of MSMs can range from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, thusproviding the possibility of a proper drug loading parameters as well asdrug release profile for different drug substances.

The substrate is preferably selected according to the bulk densitynecessary for the pharmaceutical product in which the final powderproduct is incorporated, as well as to match formulation granulation.For instance, if the powder will be used to formulate a tablet, thesubstrate should have a higher bulk density, while a nasal inhalationpharmaceutical will have a lower bulk density. The types ofpharmaceuticals and their desired bulk densities, and appropriatesubstrates to achieve such bulk densities are as follows (ratios of eachcan change):

-   -   compressed tablet, bulk density of 0.4-1.5 g/cm³, appropriate        substrates: spray dried lactose or direct compression        lactose/acacia/STPP/poloxamer 188;    -   immediate-release tablet, bulk density of 0.2-1.5 g/cm³,        appropriate substrates: sieved lactose/acacia/STPP/poloxamer;    -   powder, bulk density of 0.1-1.0 g/cm³, appropriate substrates:        maltodextrin or milled lactose/acacia/STPP/poloxamer;    -   dry-granulations, bulk density of 0.4-1.5 g/cm³, appropriate        substrates: milled lactose/acacia/STPP/poloxamer;    -   oral inhalation powder, bulk density of 0.1-0.5 g/cm³,        appropriate substrates: fine milled and sieved        lactose/acacia/STPP/poloxamer/CD

The process can be applied to a range of core materials in numerousparticles sizes and shapes and densities. No matter the shape,crystalline, spherical, irregular, amorphous, the process is capable ofcreating unique formulations to achieve the desired properties.Understanding the flow related properties, particle size and density iscritical in the processing of these powders for their intendedformulations. This invention eliminates most trial and error.

If an emulsifying system is used, the system includes about 1:20-20:1water soluble emulsifier to oil soluble emulsifier. In one embodiment,the system includes about 5% by weight oil soluble emulsifier to about95% by weight water soluble emulsifier. A higher concentration ofsubstrate, with or without emulsifier, will result in higher solubilityof the final powder composition. The carbohydrate substrates themselvesact as emulsifiers/colloids allowing the water insoluble colloids,cannabinoids or other drugs to become solubilized. The ratios ofsubstrate alone or in combination with other emulsifiers allow for easywetting and enhanced solubility, which is further enhanced as dilutioncontinues.

In one embodiment, the dissolved extract is sprayed onto the emulsifierwhile the emulsifier is under agitation and vacuum. In a preferredembodiment, a Ross vertical cone screw blender is utilized whereby thepowdered solids are combined under vacuum then immediately subjected tohigh sheer mixing at a point in the blender where flow if mostturbulent. In another embodiment, the dissolved extract is dripped intothe emulsifier while mixing. If more than one emulsifier is used in thisstep it is preferred to mix the emulsifiers prior to combining with thedissolved extract.

In one embodiment of the invention, the extract is ultrasonicallyhomogenized or microfluidized to form microemulsions and nanoemulsions.When added to liquids, the resulting homogenized extracts are tastelessand translucent, as compared to most emulsifiers used in microemulsionswhich have a strong, bitter taste. In one embodiment, the globule sizesare less than about 100 nm, with an average globule size of about 50 nm.The key to the invention in this respect is the combination, ratio, andconcentration of the carbohydrate components.

The solvent/extract mixture is next dried to form a micronized powder bypreferably heating the mixture for several hours to a range of about50-85° C. with about 50-60° C. being preferred and about 55° C. beingmost preferred. The mixture may optionally be stirred/agitated duringthis step to more thoroughly combine the ingredients. In one embodiment,the mixture is agitated under vacuum. The solvent/extract mixture mayalso be dried using conventional methods including, but not limited to,air drying, spray drying, freeze drying, etc. The mixture is driedand/or placed under vacuum for a time period sufficient to provide aflowable powder free of aggregates, with a moisture content generallyranging from about 2-8% by weight, with about 4% moisture by weightbeing preferred. The powdered product may be further processed intoconsumer and pharmaceutical formulations and/or used for testing. Inanother embodiment, small batches of product may be prepared by hand ona benchtop.

The resulting micronized powder has a particle size of no more than 5000nm, with a resulting particles size of about 20-1000 nm to as small asabout 20-50 nm depending upon the amount and extent of processing.Unlike other known preparation methods, the resulting product does notrequire encapsulation and/or microencapsulation. The product and itsmethod of processing are further distinguished from prior methods inthat the materials do not require sterilization during any of theprocessing steps.

The preparation of the compositions of the invention may be easilyscaled up with the use of equipment that is known in the art including,but not limited to, Wurster fluidizer, vertical blender with vacuum andspray dryer, and/or hand spraying/mixing. The compositions of theinvention may be inexpensively manufactured on a commercial scale. A wetsolution is sprayed into the fluid bed coater to agglomerate the primarypowder together and create larger granules by suspending the particlesinside the chamber through high velocity air. This material is thendried upon completion of the spraying by hot air to the unit. Theparticles exit the chamber in different shapes, sizes and densitiesbased on the movement of the material in the chamber and throughparticle interaction. The powder is flowable and stable againstoxidation and moisture.

The water soluble powdered extract may be formulated with any convenientpharmaceutically acceptable diluents, carriers or excipients to producea pharmaceutical composition. The choice of diluents, carriers orexcipients will depend on the desired dosage form, which may in turn bedependent on the intended route of administration to a patient. Oraldosage forms include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules,suspensions, granules, and solutions. The pharmaceutical preparations ofthe present invention are manufactured in a manner which is itself wellknown in the art. For example the pharmaceutical preparations may bemade by means of conventional mixing, granulating, dissolving,lyophilizing processes and vibrational atomization. The processes to beused will depend ultimately on the physical properties of the activeingredient used.

Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars forexample, lactose or sucrose, mannitol or sorbitol, cellulosepreparations and/or calcium phosphates, for example, tricalciumphosphate or calcium hydrogen phosphate, as well as binders such asstarch, paste, using, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, ricestarch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/orpolyvinyl pyrrolidone. If desired, disintegrating agents may be added,such as the above-mentioned starches as well as carboxymethyl starch,cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a saltthereof, such as sodium alginate. Auxiliaries are flow-regulating agentsand lubricants, for example, such as silica, talc, stearic acid or saltsthereof, such as magnesium stearate or calcium stearate and/orpolyethylene glycol. Oral dosage forms may be provided with suitablecoatings which, if desired, may be resistant to gastric juices. For thispurpose concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionallycontain gum arabic, talc, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycoland/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions and suitable organic solventsor solvent mixtures. In order to produce coatings resistant to gastricjuices, solutions of suitable cellulose preparations such asacetylcellulose phthalate or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate,dyestuffs and pigments may be added to the tablet coatings, for example,for identification or in order to characterize different combinations ofcompound doses.

Other pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally includecapsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made ofgelatin and a plasticizer such as glycerol or sorbitol. The capsules cancontain the active compounds in the form of granules which may be mixedwith fillers such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/orlubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally,stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds are preferablydissolved or suspended in suitable liquids; such as fatty oils, liquidparaffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition stabilizers may beadded.

The pharmaceutical preparations of the present invention aremanufactured in a manner which is itself well known in the art. Forexample the pharmaceutical preparations may be made by means ofconventional mixing, granulating, dissolving, lyophilizing processes.Such dosage forms may be prepared in accordance with standard principlesof pharmaceutical formulation, known to those skilled in the art. Theextract may be formulated for oral use (e.g. capsules) in dosage formsthat provide, for example, less than 5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg,or more than 100 mg of total cannabinoids per dose.

The following examples are offered to illustrate but not limit theinvention. Thus, it is presented with the understanding that variousformulation modifications as well as method of delivery modificationsmay be made and still are within the spirit of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described below. Thefollowing products were used in the amounts and concentrationsspecified:

1. About 20 g cannabinoid distillate

2. About 35 g Ethanol 95%

3. About 40 g maltodextrin/gum acacia mixture

The cannabinoid distillate was weighed in a glass beaker. Ethanol 95%was added to the same beaker. The contents of the beaker were allowed todissolve on a hot plate set to 55° C.

The above solution was combined with the maltodextrin/gum acacia in aplanar mixer and was gently mixed until well incorporated.

The above mixture was passed through a granulation screen into a secondbowl. This bowl was placed into a vacuum oven at 55° C. for 12 hours.The powder was stirred at least one during this time frame.

The formulation above was tested for potency and stability after 1 yearof storage. After this period, no loss of potency was observed (asmeasured by HPLC), the formulation was visibly stable at roomtemperature and readily fluid when shaken.

EXAMPLE 2

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described below. Thefollowing products were used in the amounts and concentrationsspecified:

1. The cannabinoid distillate (or terpenes or isolate or combinationsthereof) is weighed into a glass beaker. The beaker was tared and thenethanol 95% was weighed into the same beaker. The contents of the beakerwere allowed to completely dissolve on a hot plate set to 55° C.

2. Maltodextrin/gum acacia powder was weighed into a glass mixing vesselwith paddle attachment.

3. The product of step 1 was slowly dripped into the maltodextrin/acaciapowder while mixing with vertical blender using gentle shear.

4. After the distillate/solvent has been added the powder is mixed foran additional 5 minutes.

5. The wetted powder is passed through a 3.35 mm granulation screen andallowed to dry in a vacuum oven set to 55° C. for at least 12 hours.

6. The powder was gently mixed at 2 hours and 6 hours.

It should be appreciated that minor dosage and formulation modificationsof the composition and the ranges expressed herein may be made and stillcome within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Having described the invention with reference to particularcompositions, theories of effectiveness, and the like, it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that it is not intended that theinvention be limited by such illustrative embodiments or mechanisms, andthat modifications can be made without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. It isintended that all such obvious modifications and variations be includedwithin the scope of the present invention as defined in the appendedclaims. The claims are meant to cover the claimed components and stepsin any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives thereintended, unless the context specifically indicates to the contrary.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustivelist or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It iscontemplated that other alternative processes and methods obvious tothose skilled in the art are considered included in the invention. Thedescription is merely examples of embodiments. It is understood that anyother modifications, substitutions, and/or additions may be made, whichare within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. From theforegoing, it can be seen that the exemplary aspects of the disclosureaccomplish at least all of the intended objectives.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water soluble, powdered cannabis extractcomprising a carbohydrate emulsifier onto which the cannabis isabsorbed, said powdered cannabis being stable for at least one year,said powdered cannabis comprising less than about 1% by weight oil. 2.The water soluble, powdered cannabis extract of claim 1 whereby theemulsifier is a combination of a water-soluble emulsifier and anoil-soluble emulsifier.
 3. The water soluble, powdered extract of claim2 whereby the emulsifier combination comprises from about 1:20-20:1water soluble emulsifier to oil soluble emulsifier.
 4. The watersoluble, powdered extract of claim 1 whereby the emulsifier is a mixtureof maltodextrin and acacia.
 5. The water soluble, powdered extract ofclaim 1 whereby the cannabis is complexed with a cyclodextrin.
 6. Thewater soluble, powdered extract of claim 1 whereby the cannabis isloaded onto mesoporous silica.
 7. The water soluble, powdered extract ofclaim 1 comprising a micronized powder.
 8. A pharmaceutical formulationcomprising the water soluble, powdered cannabis extract of claim
 1. 9. Amethod of making a water soluble, powdered cannabis extract comprising:combining a source of cannabis with a solvent to form a solubilizedmixture; combining the solubilized mixture with an emulsifier to form anemulsified mixture having less than about 1% by weight oil; and dryingthe emulsified mixture to form a powdered cannabis comprising that isstable for at least one year.
 10. The method of claim 8 whereby thecannabis is dissolved in the solvent, and further providing that thesolvent does not dissolve the emulsifier.
 11. The method of claim 8whereby the cannabis is combined with the solvent while being heated.12. The method of claim 8 whereby the cannabis is combined with thesolvent at a temperature range of about 50-85° C.
 13. The method ofclaim 11 whereby the solvent is combined with the cannabis in a ratio ofabout 1.5-2.0:1 by weight solvent to extract.
 14. The method of claim 8whereby the solvent is combined with the cannabis under agitation. 15.The method of claim 10 whereby the solubilized mixture is combined withthe emulsifier by spraying the solubilized mixture onto the emulsifier.16. The method of claim 8 whereby the powdered cannabis is a micronizedpowder.
 17. The method of claim 8 whereby the solubilized mixture iscombined with the emulsifier while under a vacuum.
 18. The method ofclaim 8 whereby the solubilized emulsion is dried to a moisture level ofabout 8% by weight or less.
 19. The method of claim 8 further includingthe step of complexing the cannabis with cyclodextrin.
 20. The method ofclaim 8 further including the step of loading the cannabis on mesoporoussilica.